ABUSE_MAGAZINE_ID_ Illinois issue | Page 16

do you know where your teen will be? Summer Vacation Is Almost Here We are a proud supporter of a drug free working environment Do You Know Where Your Teen Will Be? “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind” -Rudyard Kipling - Over 50 styles of tuxedos in-store - All of David’s Bridal colors and MORE - $50 OFF all tuxedo and suit rentals senoformalwear.com Guaranted Best Prices Freeport Flight Center 1255 E. Airport Rd. Freeport, IL 815-232-1078 “We are proud to help fly our youth into an abuse free future!” For parents, the start of summer means the countdown to September is on. As yet another school year comes to a close, parents are making last-minute plans to keep their teens occupied for three long months. Sure, a few weeks may be spent on a family vacation, some teens may attend summer school, and others may take up a new hobby. But that still leaves hours each day and days each week when teens are home with nothing to do. How many days can you invent amusing activities and outings that will keep your teen out of trouble? 24565 Zier Rd. • Lanark, IL 815-493-6401 We are proud to keep our youth abuse free. What’s Ur Vote??? (McDonald’s is not a date) 2. Would you date someone who smoked or chewed tobacco? (Don’t you have to kiss them, ugh!!!) 3. Do you think its cool to date someone that drinks? Brought To You By Rockford Drug Free & Rockford Alcohol Free Teens (RAFT) Campaign Sponsored In Whole or In Part By The Illinois Department of Human Services We care & we get involved! 1. Who should pay for the 1st date...the guy or the girl? (“Mom, dad, meet my drunk date.”) (We got the facts from you...61% have not used alcohol in the past 30 days.) RKFD,IL YOUTH SURVEY (N=1,180) 16 For adolescents, summer is the highlight of the year – no responsibilities, sleeping in until noon, a kitchen full of food, and the sweet smell of independence. Many parents work full-time throughout the summer; some go on vacation and leave teenagers with an easygoing relative or friend; and some older teens are even left alone when parents are away. All of the structure and scheduling that occurs during the school year turns into unadulterated freedom in the summer. With less structure and adult supervision, the summer is ripe with opportunities for teens to fall into a bad crowd, experiment with drugs or alcohol, or get into other forms of mischief. If your teen has been struggling during the school year, more trouble may be awaiting you in summer. There’s a reason for the saying, “Idle hands are the devil’s tools.” Teens are looking for adventure, risk, and excitement, especially in the summer. Being bored at home is the exact opposite of what they need. They will find a way to take risks and live adventurously with or without your support and guidance. According to a poll by nonprofit organization Fight Crime: Invest in Kids California, children who are not supervised are more likely to commit crimes, be victims of crimes, do drugs, or hang out with gang members. The organization also reports that youths start committing crimes around noon during the summer, compared to 3 p.m. during the school y